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The Crosman Silhouette PCP pistol – Part 1

Before I start today’s report, I want to thank all the volunteers who are helping me answer questions on this blog. Most of you are not aware of the large number of people who connect with this blog and land on reports that are several years old. They did a search on an obscure airgun question and we came up as a hit, so they clicked through.

The volunteers get all the messages that I get, so they see when someone has come to a 2005 report to post a question. They usually answer the question and also guide the person to the current blog. As a result, we have built a rather large community of airgunners. While there are 100 to 150 active posters at any given time, I would estimate the number of people reading the blog to be in excess of 20,000 a day. We have a group of four from Moscow who are regulars! We may even be larger than that. I think I’m being very conservative in my estimate.

But this blog is not about numbers. It is about connecting shooters to the information they need to enjoy their sport and hobby. And the volunteers who read all the messages are helping me reach these people every day. Thank you.

As a direct result of creating this body of enthusiasts, the hobby of airgunning seems to be growing at an accelerated rate. At this year’s SHOT Show, I could see that interest in airguns was at an all-time high. Even the gun writers who have for years eschewed airguns as beneath them are now scrambling to catch up. Pyramyd Air is besieged with numerous requests to test airguns from writers and publications that are virtually unknown to most of us. If this continues, the sport and hobby of airgunning will soon become a major force in the shooting sports.

I’m glad that I lived long enough to see this day arrive. For too many decades, airguns in the United States have hidden under a cabbage leaf, embarrassed to have the word “guns” in their name. The time for apologizies appears to be coming to an end. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the coming years.

Sorry about the perspective, but Blogger allows a photo that’s no more than 5 inches wide, and I wanted to show the pistol larger than that.

My first experience with the Silhouette was when field target champion Ray Apelles brought a prototype to the American Airgunner studio in the Catskills on the day when he and his father came to film an episode on field target. Ray let me try the gun and, sitting in the Creedmore position for handguns, I was able to clip weed stems at 23 yards.

For most of the summer, I thought the Silhouette was the only precharged pistol Crosman was bringing out, and for a time it looked to me like they might release it in the fall of 2009. They didn’t, but it’s coming out now and I have a sample to test for you.

If nothing else, this pistol may help us all with the difficult spelling of the word silhouette! Now, if everyone could just learn how to spell Crosman.

If you look real hard, you can see the family resemblance to the 2240 pistol, which shares a frame with many of Crosman’s current single-shot pistols. That frame is descended from the CO2 pistols Crosman made 60 years ago, though there have been a few changes over the years. In fact, there had to be some changes from the current 2240 frame to accept the pneumatic reservoir tube, and this is where Crosman wins every time. They didn’t just make one change and be done with it. No, they sweetened the trigger at the same time.

Oh, don’t worry! They left enough creep and weight in the mechanism to support about a hundred hobby airgun boutiques offering trigger parts and other modifications to “fix the problem.” There’s also plenty of grist for all the forums to have endless discussions about it. I’m just wondering what slang term will have to be invented so people don’t actually have to write Silhouette in their rants. The Marauder became the M-rod, the Discovery became the Disco and the Katana the Katrina. What will the Silhouette be called? Perhaps, the Shill?

Looking at the gun, and by the way, that is my test gun up top, not a Crosman photo. You can tell the difference because my gun has all the words engraved on the action while the website shows a plain receiver–at least that’s how it looked when I wrote this report the night before publication. The first thing you’ll notice is the bolt handle is on the left. For decades owners have been installing aftermarket steel breeches with the bolt on the left for right-handed shooters who don’t want to let go of the grip while they’re loading. This is a point that Ray Apelles argued for. And, because this is a Crosman gun, you can switch that handle over to the right side.

Switching sides requires separating the barreled receiver from the reservoir. They say in the manual that you will need to send your gun to a service center, but we all know that’s not going to happen.

Cocking is so smooth that you’ll want to keep on doing it just for the sensation. At least, you will if you’ve owned a lot of other Crosman single-shot pistols that had stubby bolt handles and stiff bolts that bound during cocking. I must note that the pellet trough is made from Delrin (that’s engineering plastic) with no sign of a screw head anywhere near the trough. Crosman fans will know what I’m talking about. This is the way the gun needs to be built, because it eliminates all pellet flipping during loading.

And the trigger that the forums are soon going to be in convulsions over has a wider blade than the old-style flat blade, yet it will still accept a trigger shoe. It’s a single-stage trigger with a fair amount of creep, but it has an adjustable trigger stop. Give me a jar of moly grease and stand back! I will have it slicked-up in no time. The trigger-pull weight is also adjustable over a narrow range. You access the knurled adjustment wheel under the grip panels.

And this is the thousand-word picture. You can see the new, wider trigger blade, the adjustable trigger stop and the trigger-pull adjustment inside the grip.

The 10-inch barrel is a Lothar Walther, which adds value to the package. Not that Crosman can’t rifle a barrel, because they certainly can. But sometimes it helps to have the Lothar Walther name associated with a gun just so everybody knows it’s accurate.

The pressure gauge hangs down under the reservoir, sort of exposed. It looks like an afterthought, but that’s because the pistol has no forearm to hide it. My sample arrived with a 1,000 psi caretaker charge in the reservoir to keep the valves closed against airborne dirt. That answers the question of whether or not the pistol holds air. I have seen Crosman’s “clean room” setup for manufacturing PCPs, and they air up every one on the line so they can be tested. You would expect a boutique maker to do that, but what a surprise that a high-rate manufacturer does, as well.

This is a large pistol. It weighs 2.5 lbs. and is a quarter-inch shy of 15 inches in length. The aluminum receiver looks large and commanding. The pistol is built for the purpose of competing in airgun silhouette matches, but most will undoubtedly be purchased by plinkers. And they will probably want to mount a scope, though Crosman sent me a peep sight to also try. The pistol comes without a rear sight, so you can go either way, but I suspect most shooters will either scope it or install a dot sight.

It’s a single-shot, as most competition guns tend to be, and the power is suited for silhouette competition. It operates on 3,000 psi air, so no chance of running on CO2 with this one. Buy a 2300T or 2300S if CO2 is what you want.

When I test it for velocity, I’ll also weigh the trigger for you. So far, it’s an impressive PCP pistol, though priced higher than I expected.

HK…..You won't damage the barrel with lead pellets. There may be a slight advantage to going easy on it while the pump tube gets polished.

My 397 works good at 5 pumps. The 5th pump gives the highest velocity increase, while additional pumps only give a small increase for the extra strain and wear . I consider 5 for normal shooting….less for plinking.

I, as one of your 20,000 blog readers and frequent posting pests, would like to take this opportunity, from my end as a consumer of this great service, to thank you and your volunteers for your dedication. This blog, like good music, a fine painting, or a clean shot to the kill zone, adds enjoyment to life. No greater justification than this is needed, to know that your efforts contribute in some measure to the fulfillment of the pursuit of happiness.

You wrote "because this is a Crosman gun, you can switch that handle over to the right side."

"Switching sides requires separating the barreled receiver from the reservoir. They say in the manual that you will need to send your gun to a service center, but we all know that's not going to happen."

Since I'm left-handed, that passage really caught my eye. Does this mean it's possible, either at home or with the help of a service center, to switch the bolt on other Crosman guns, like maybe even a Marauder? Or, since this pistol comes with a LH bolt, can we look forward to Crosman/Benjamin rifles with a LH bolt?

More evidence that Crosman is listening to airgunners. It's a great day when an American company is turning out an American made product that the consumer asked for.

I agree that B.B.'s estimates of the number of blog readers is conservative. I disagree when he says, "this blog is not about numbers".

I believe that on our current course, under our current leadership that there will come a day in the near future when airgunners must become more united and more vocal to prevent unwarranted legislation. I also believe that this blog is the town square for airgunners could be a significant voice to speak out to our representatives en masse.

I'd like to thank the volunteers for quickly answering those "lost" comments and for directing those airgunners to the current blog so they can become part of the live crowd. What you're doing is important and will become even more so in the future.

Yes, but this pistol is designed for the sport of airgun silhouette. They don't shoot that fast because the silhouettes are easy to knock over. The size of the air cylinder has nothing to do with the potential power. That is controlled by the tune of the valve.

Katrina…lol!!!! I felt with a different name and a round triggergaurd, they would sell like hotcakes. Although, like a new model cars, sometimes it takes time to get use to the look of the new airgun.

My favorite is the Blondco….I may have to get one. Solid, affordable and easy to use. It think the trigger is one of the best features. I'm sure with some nice sights or a scope, the Blonco will shine.

"For too many decades, airguns in the United States have hidden under a cabbage leaf, embarrassed to have the word "guns" in their name. The time for apologizies appears to be coming to an end."

This is how I feel about airsoft. Like many, in the early days I thought airsoft guns were a joke and beneath consideration. But as time wore on I changed my mind. I believe they have a solid place in the airgunning world, and that they offer features that regular airguns, and certainly firearms, do not.

Very heartening to read your editorial. 20,000 and a worldwide readership is really something. Yes, I think it would be good to steer people towards the current day's posting to join everyone together. I have a question about blogs. As part of a professional organization, I've created a blog on the future of the libraries of the U. of California system. (The one word summary is grim.) Predictably, there has not been much activity. We have no B.B. and besides librarianship is not nearly as much fun to talk about as airgunning. The question is what kind of growth curve did you experience in the early days? I guess I could survey the early entries, but I thought your direct impressions would be more valuable. Borrowing from biology, I'm supposing that blogs mimic the exponential growth curve of populations which is to say very slow to start and then accelerating their growth rate–if they get that far. Was that how it worked? Were there memorable landmarks/critical points in the growth experience?

How is airgun silhouette shooting different from field target? Is it just the informal activity of knocking over metal targets?

If the pcp pistol is based on the 2240, that's good. I believe it was Derrick38 who told me how great the 2240 is.

I'm a fan of Crosman as much as the next, but I would be interested in the evidence for their barrel-making skills. The best evidence so far, for me, is their 1077 which, in spite of its cheap price and heavy trigger, is as accurate as my springers. Also, the Marauder with the choked barrel has been very impressive. On the other hand, the original CO2 Crosman Challenger was famously inaccurate (by target standards). With the change to a Lothar Walther barrel in the pcp version, accuracy is fabulous.

Since I've joined the Airgunarena eMatch matches I have been eying the rifle Silo competition matches. I don't see one for pistols, yet. If there ever is one the Silo would be my choice.

Really, I thought I was done buying stuff. Again, I see I am not! Crosman has given the Silo pistol a great jump on the M-Rod pistol, delivery wise, for some reason. It probably won't hurt M-Rod business since they are for different purposes, however, the Silo will be a better plinker since it's cheaper, and .177. The M-Rod .22 is supposed for hunting but I'm not exposed to too many pistol hunters.

aj, thanks for suggesting Silo. Being from Illinois, another land of corn, I like it.

I could not access the link for your blank stock finish from yesterday until this morning. Holy Moly! You have to be kidding me. Is this the FWB you purchased from Kevin? One holer groups and a stock that looks like it was chiseled from marble by Michelangelo? You seem to have contracted an acute case of chronic modesty syndrome, most likely brought on by exposure to other infected carriers such as derrick38, Kevin, and BB.

I read with great interest your comment about paralax and the front sight. I purchased a used Diana 52 from craigslist and the owner had removed the front sight for scoping but included it with the paperwork. I knew instinctively that if I did not mount the sight immediately I would never be able to find it again. Once installed, I noticed that at lower scope magnifications, I could see the blur of the sight at the very bottom of the sight picture. Because of the curved shape of the scope lenses, if the gun was canted just slightly, the front sight quickly distort on one side of the site picture or other. If I held the gun perfectly level, the site would line up with the vertical cross-hair. You couldn't ask for a better level.

BBs comment about the laser lining up with the cross-hair of the scope was also very instructive. Paralax is one of those things that can be hard to explain. A demonstration of the laser and the scope cross-hairs and the sloped wall that BB described would be very enlightening to those who have trouble grasping the concept. It would be an excellent topic for a blog.

Having read CJr's comment about silhouette matches above, I guess I need to come out of the closet. I had navigated over to the A-team's website, ostensibly to review parallax correction for scopes and started reading about Field Target matches that was on the Apelle's website. I see the next match is coming up in Dutchess County, NY, about 1.5 hours from me.

I may have to start practicing in earnest in the position of choice (that sitting position can be tough for an "older" fellow) and get to know my scope real well on my RWS 52. It's just a emotion right now but I'll let the blog know if I follow through on this.

apparently I'm typing here in comment to today's post on a pcp pistol. but that is not what I came to the website do do.

what I wanted to do was ask a question about a new topic. I am unable to do that, it seems. so I'm doing something else instead. I'm going to ask how I post a new topic for discussion or how to ask a new question instead of leaving a comment on something someone has already written. Are we allowed to do that here on this forum?

Well, I'm about to type the word verification now. Sorry for this off-topic comment. It has absoluteling nothing to do with a pcp pistol.

A blog has to be interesting to people to attract them. Nobody is going to read a blog about a trip to the dentist.

But if the dentist wrote a humorous blog about the professing, he or she would relate to their potential customers. My last dentist advertised that she was a pediatric dentist and therefore knew how to baby everybody. She claimed she gave novocane shots that could not be felt, and she was right. I stayed with her for 11 years.

How long did this blog take to start boiling? Probably the better part of two years. That's with me never missing a day and answering questions from readers in Indonesia who were never going to spend a dime with Pyramyd Air. From the start we decided this blog would help everyone, and education was the primary service.

Do a search on airgun silhouette. It's completely different from field target and actually came to airgunning from the centerfire sport of siluetas metalicas.

You've come to the right place. The article of the day is rarely all that's talked about. It's the apetizer. The questions that are asked in the comments section under the most current article become the main course.

Yes, you are in the right place. If you have questions, this is definitely the place to do it. Off topic observations? Ditto. It doesn't even need to be about airguns!

Older blogs don't see as many visitors, so questions are answered more slowly and by fewer people. On the current blog you have a much deeper brain-pool. Good to see you made it here and hope to see you back often.

In regards to your question, I don't think it will ever happen due to the costs/economics. It is such a small vessel, it hardly seems worth the time/trouble/cost/ liability. 12 gram cartridges are probably cheaper to sell than refill.

I would think that you could recycle the empties somewhere, so that they don't end up in a landfill. Just don't expect to make/save any money.

I think the point of Mike's question is that he has access to a huge supply of CO2 and would like a way to "tap into" (pun intended) that supply with his 12 gram cartridge airguns. I don't know of any, but it sounds like a neat idea.

And I think the two hobbies are complementary – I often find myself grabbing a cold one after I am done shooting!

Mike,Welcome aboard here. Well, the 12 gm CO2 cartridges are designed from the ground up as single-use disposable pressure vessels. Key word being "disposable". The CO2 is operating at about 1000 PSI, so I think I'd take a pass on Steve's valve threads bulging through the cylinder wall. Put a price on your safety and say it's well worth the fifty cents or so per 12 gram cylinder.

When you asked for a few apprentices a couple weeks ago I did so with reluctance but a sense of duty. I don't know much, but am happy to pass the few experiences I have on to others.

I am just glad to see you are still around despite your time constraints. Your extraordinary depth of knowledge and experience (and riveting stories) is a constant draw for me and many others. Anyone who looks at an AAs410 stock and thinks, "I can do better" is a true craftsman. My hat is off to you.

This blog owes a debt to you. Thank You Sir!

Alan in MI

The bulk Co2 thing is definitely a good idea. He just shouldn't look at refilling 12 gram cartridges. Even the 88 gram AS cartridges are non refillable. The refillable containers start at 9oz, and I am sure it is a purely economical consideration. If he can find someone to build a valve into a 12 gram cartridge more power to him. I fully support the motive, I just doubt it's practicality. I will also need Mike's address to see how this beer stuff tastes.

I, too, think Mike has a good idea for refillable 12oz carts. However, I don't have any of that equipment and the cost of outfitting and training myself to use it would cost more than a lifetime of powerlets. Even if I knew someone who had the equipment chances are they'd charge me $40.00 an hour to make one for me. Do I hear $30?-Chuck

SlingingLead,That is the same FWB124 action that Kevin was unselfish enough to part with.It was so exceptional in condition and performance I decided to buy an exceptional stock blank for it…and with much trepidation and plenty of helpful advice,I finished it the best I could!!I am glad you like it.Just keep in mind that you are admiring a big pile of money as much as you are my handywork.I have about 1,650$ in it without the glass…worth every penny to me!:} Frank

David H.,Thank you for that link…That rifle should mean a new frontier in performance!!!I have always suspected this would be possible.I want one,but I don't think I'll ever want to fix one!!!The cocking arm is similar in format to a "Steroid"custom Benjamin 392 or 397.The cocking effort doesn't look all that daunting either.I can't help thinking it will be a while before all the bugs are worked out and the price becomes reasonable. Frank

Re all the refillable C02 Cartridge talk. There are two versions for bulk C02 offered by Bryan and Associates among others. A "dummy" cartridge that has a tap in the middle for attaching a C02 hose (mostly not directly applicable without a modified tube to allow attachment of the hose) and bulk fill valves (which require replacing the stock valve). I have two Crosman Custom Shop guns I have converted to bulk fill and a Mark 1 (a lot easier as you don't need to change the valve). I'm just getting the hang of the refill as it is not always easy to get a full fill. I use 20oz paintball tanks for my bulk supply – at about $4 per fill, it saves a lot over 12 g cartridges and you don't need the investment in a large C02 tank.

BB – Re the trigger mechanism, are you going to open it up for us? So far, looks just like a 2300 with a slightly better shaped trigger. What about the seer???

Re: Paradigm – I'm totally with you on the durability of the powerplant & price issue. With the complex internals and heavy duty cocking arm that gun will need a lot of "real world" testing. But, I too like the idea of a pneumatic rifle that YOU provide the power for in one stroke. It's like combining all the good features of a springer and a PCP, but without the spring torque, hold sensitivity, extra $ for a pump or bulk tank, etc. Now, if only a company could produce one in the 20-25ft/lb range………..

LD. (Larry Durham) and Tim At Mac I convert the Crosman mark I into a Hanging tank version. The tank is said to provide balance and weight for a very steady shot. And you bulk fill the tank. Others have also used a coiled hose to the gun and separate tank.

You could get a few shots from a beer keg size tank..:-) … but you might need a long hose or dolly to move the tank! Or maybe you just "roll out the barrel" and we'll have a barrel of fun…

I was wondering if you have heard anything the new Umarex SA 177 Repeater that is scheguled to be released in June. I am really excided about ths pistol so any news about it that you have would be great.

aj,I worked for Caterpillar Inc. and DeKalb had a Barber Green plant there that manufactured pavers. Cat took it over to start making their Challenger farm tractors there. I worked there temporarily for about 6 month to help with the change over. The paver business was transferred to Minnesota. Had a good time there. Stayed in Sycamore at the Sycamore Hotel. Nice rustic place and I got introduced to Killians beer. Reddish stuff and very good. A group of us would go to Sorento's near St. Charles for Prime Rib specials every Wednesday night. Second best Prime Rib I've ever had.

I'm not familiar with that Chicago hotel. Don't get up there much if I can help it. I live about 130 miles south of Chicago.-Chuck

I have a couple questions that will probably sound stupid to most of you. It has been about 40yrs since I owned an airgun, about a month ago I bought a 2240. I know it is rated at 460fps but at what max distance can I really expect penetration on a tin can with 15gr pellets? Would moving up to Gamo TS-22 pellets be better, their ad states an increase of 20% velocity and impact. I want impact at a distance. I'm retired military but wife will not allow any "real" handguns in the house. I sorta manipulated her into this now I want power without her noticing.

Okay the last post was mine also. I normally plink at about 25ft, but I was wondering, if I shot from the back of my house approx. 125ft. with my 2240 stock would I have to arch the shot to hit the target? Probably would not penetrate anything but paper right? Sorry must be annoying to most of you out there. Also I plan to purchase a IZH Drozd pistol any thoughts on this airgun?

Is there a difference between Crosman 12gr CO2 cartridges and those sold as Crosman 12gr CO2 "Powerlet" cartridges. There is a slight price difference it seems, but what is the difference in the cartridge?

Welcome back to a wonderful hobby after a 40 year absence. You have resurfaced during what could be considered a golden age for airguns.

The 2240 pistol is excellent by the way, nice choice. There are scores of enthusiasts who tinker, tune and modify these guns into something truly exceptional.

125 ft really is too far for this pistol. At this distance you really want at least 700fps, but 900 would be better, especially if you want to really put a hurtin on those cans. You just won't find that kind of power in CO2 guns, especially pistols.

Incidently CO2 is temperature dependant, so the colder it is, the lower your power. They are best for indoor or summertime shooting.

Also you might not be able to tell, but you are most likely arching the pellet to hit your target even at 30 feet. This is because the pellet starts falling to the ground the moment it leaves the barrel. We 'arch' the shot mostly without realizing it to compensate for this drop. It is only a matter of how much arch.

The Drozd is cool, (I don't have one) but I think we need to get you into a rifle based on your interests. You already have your foot in the door with the wife so to speak. It's a very slippery slope from there. After she see's how much fun you are having, she may even want to try it herself.

This is not something you are going to want to hear, but you really want to spend a bit more than you think you should now, you will be happier for it in the future. The quality of workmanship and materials and potential for accuracy ramps up quickly as you approach the $300 mark and beyond. I know it sounds crazy now.

While you chew on that, check out a few resources for messing with your 2240.

12gr CO2 is 12gr CO2, and the cartridge dimensions are standard. The ONLY possible difference is that some of them MAY have a wee bit of oil in them, but since you oughta be frequently oiling the gun yourself with every new cartridge this should be a moot point.

These are all spring piston guns and put out substantially more power than CO2 but they are all single shot. They are also much more difficult to shoot accurately due to the spring piston recoil.

Look at the reviews after each pistol as they tend to be pretty informative. However, using the search box on any blog, found in the upper right part of the screen, will show you if the pistol has been reviewed and what the blogs' comments have to say about it.

Crosman is also bringing out some PCP pistols (pre-charged pneumatic) but these may be out of your price range.

Lot's of beer enthusiasts out there, apparently. Where a quick injection of pressurized co2 is desirable is for the guy who has brewed up a batch and just racked it off into bottles from the carboy. At that stage, it's typical to put a small amount of sugar into each bottle so the live yeast will 'eat' it (I guess consume & metabolize it is more accurate – but U know what I mean). CO2 is the desired byproduct. One has to take care not to add too much, which could result in over-carbonation and bottle bursting. That's the beginning of a 2-3 week hiatus. Ya gotta wait for the natural process to occur – unless, like me, U R impatient. I generally force carbonate a few bottles so I can experience now what my brew will taste like in a few weeks. Curiosity killed the cat, you say? Maybe. Maybe not.

So anyway, my interest in refillable co2 cartridges is more from a homebrew / home soda making standpoint than a shootist. But I was thinking either application could make use of the tech.

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